SCOTT POV
Diana was fast asleep as soon as I laid her on the bed. Her soft snores were endearing, magnetizing me to stare a bit longer. In every breath, her luscious lips tremble, swelling from too much kissing. I will never understand how she's unbelievably tempting in every way. Whether she's eating, just woken up or sleeping, she has this effortless beauty that's perfectly enticing, summoning the animal in me.
When we got home from a long day of touring in the town, I hastily found myself nestled in her sweet mouth tasting every bit of her... loving every inch of her. Intoxicated in her lovely scent, I completely thought that the world stopped revolving as I cherish my Luna in my arms.
Hours before the full moon, she's still in deep slumber. Exhaustion must have poured over her, Diana was unmoved from how I placed her on bed until now. I wouldn't want to wake her so I left her a note that I'll be in the town plaza to personally welcome the arrival of the wolf clans. Honestly, I contemplated deep in my mind if I should let her join the moonbath. It might be too overwhelming for her, knowing so many things happen when wolves bask under the full moon. Pouring liquor. More wolves around. Naked bodies all over. Imprinted couples being intimate out in the woods. The moonbath will surely open a full door of our animalism as we drive that sexual desire. After all, the full moon does not only replenish our strengths, but it also increases our sexual drives. Alternatively, I wanted her to be engaged in all wolf ceremonies, culture and traditions. Open her eyes in the world where she truly belongs. Hoping that it could 'release' the screaming wolf in her hard shell. With caution and protection, I and the pack intend to let her experience what she has been missing because simply, she's a wolf too.
Preparing to leave, I suddenly heard something that turned up my ears. There it is again. That very same chirps blending with the crickets. Earlier today, there were moments that I hear those critter sounds nearby, unidentified creatures that are very careful not to be sensed fully. Following us all over the town like shadows you can't shake off. Thinking of my Luna's safety, I left her a silver dagger that I personally made from a long time ago. When she stabbed one of the men in the island, her close range fighting skills were astounding, considering she only used a steak knife for her defense. However, this dagger is much more different. It releases poison when stabbed that can easily take down even a healthy horse. In a world filled with danger, it is best to have my Luna get weaponized to protect herself especially when I'm not around.
At first, I thought it was my imagination. Then, I would hear the same sound from a fleshly being everywhere with Diana. From the Devlins' sanctuary, to the Lockwoods cottage, the creature seem to follow my Luna. It wasn't calling her, or trying to come near Diana. It was just there... as if watching at a close distance. And once my attention has been completely taken by the sound, it suddenly disappears. For whatever it wants on Diana, I surely won't give it such fulfilling ease.
Closing the door and locking it from inside, I stood outside as I hear the critter sounds again. Surveying the area, I peer through the dark surrounding the Lockwood Cottage until the sounds faded. All of a sudden, they were gone. Indefinitely, I called Cory and David to standby the Lockwoods' perimeter in case the creature comes back.
In long strides and fast paces, I walked my way to the town plaza. The streets were lighted in vibrancy, keeping the pavements clear as the day. As I arrive, I was welcomed by a large crowd of people of different gender and ages surrounding the round stage set up in the middle. All men were shirtless with only their trousers on, and the ladies were wearing the cream goddess dress made special for this tradition. By the look in their faces, they all appear thrilled for the moonbath.
The Devlins have already arrived as well. As expected, Stanley is standing on his feet looking as strong as a beast drinking with the elders. Before I left the city, I gave him the canister of T-pills so I could see in my own eyes how it works well for him. Despite sensing my Luna's essence in that small piece of canister, I decided to give the old man what he desperately needs. After all, I couldn't bear to see him suffer like he does lately.
The moment Stanley spotted me, he made way for me as how I anticipated. "I heard you imprinted", the old man said as he exhaled sharply. A hint of worry is written all over his face. "I told you, you aren't suppose to imprint", he added gritting his teeth. I see no more tremors, and his skin his glowing incredibly.
"It's not like I can stop it", I replied, taking the mug of seemingly beer from his hand, and tossed it. "You just started to get well, and now you're drinking".
"Nah... it's just a little.. Come 'mer let me see you! Are you alright? Has anything bad happened?", Stanley checked my body as he turn me side to side.
"Been living the best days of my life since that day, actually", I said, as I tap his shoulder. Stanley flashed a smile back, despite he carried an awfully sullen gaze. Maybe what he knew about me getting an imprint must be nothing but lies.
In a few minutes, the nearby clans who pledged to moonbath with our clan this month arrived one by one. The Black Creek Clan, headed by Roman Brooke, turned up with men wearing black trousers, and ladies in black dresses. "Roman Brooke", I greeted with a warm smile, holding out a hand. "This is my father, Stanley Devlin".
"Scott Devlin. Nice to meet you sir", he gripped my hand, and then my father's. Then, he gave way to a taller man with long black dreadlocks. "This is Gunner Hayes, my confidant. And these are my pack, and some members of our clan", he turned his head to his people standing right behind him.
"I heard good things about you! Please grab some beers", Stanley uttered, as he lead the other guests to the beer barrels to the side.
"Welcome! Ready for tonight?", I asked.
"Oh, We're born ready", Gunner replied with a grin, that isn't so warm, while Roman just gave me a subtle smile.
It was then Elder Velvet requested my presence on stage to open the ceremony. Taking off my shirt leaving the necklace around my neck that Diana gave me, I went up the stage in front of the assembled multitude, and a better spot to see my Luna in case she arrives. The people started cheering and howling as soon as I became visible up stage. I never realized we're already this many. Despite the number of people before me, it never yielded me to speak on stage. "The night is particularly remarkable. To be surrounded by great men, and respectable women filled with big desires, high hopes and pleasant dreams that we all share, the positivity radiates in perfection to each one of us as we gather together as sons of the moon. I, Scott Devlin the Alpha of the Grayback Clan would like to honor everyone's presence for tonight's moonbath.", the crowd roared, kept their hands together flashing their smiles overflowing with high spirits. I carried myself with pride, looking in the eyes of each and everyone of them. "It is clear to me that we are united as one with your loyalty and love for the moon. For the imprint gifted by the moon goddess to instantly get the love we deserve, for the strengths we replenish for our mortal bodies, for the immense power we possess in our own hands.. tonight, the moon is ours", the crowd cheered even louder as I howl for the moon. Before I jump down the stage, my Luna is still nowhere to be found. I, then, started to feel uneasy.
Spotting my siblings who were engaged with Roman in a conversation, I joined them with some serving of beers. Binging in drinks and small talks, we all waited at the plaza before we could head onto the wilderness. Not too long, my lovely Diana appeared wearing a denim jacket, emerald green dress and white sneakers. She's beautiful than the evening star shining in the dark sky, and ever calming as a moon glow. Her appearance was just in time before I savage endless calls to Cory and David.
My eyes shifted then at Roman, who appears to be in a daze staring ahead. His eyes were glistening, as if hypnotized under a spell. He seemed like he stopped breathing, with his body stiff as a board. In staggered steps, he tried to go forth. I called his name several times, he didn't even move, or bothered to look at me. Still mesmerized where his ears seemed blocked, he gaped in a world of his own.
Damn. I know this look.
I glowered when I realized with whom he locked his gaze at. A tightening tension rose in my chest in disbelief. Clenching my fist slowly, I darkened my eyes in incredulity on how the moon goddess once again is playing tricks on me.